API

Desvenlafaxine (100mg)

Drug classification

Antidepressant (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, SNRI)

Dosage form

Extended-release tablet

API strength per dosage

100 mg

Dose

Adults: 50 mg once daily, with or without food; maximum 100 mg once daily. Pediatrics: Safety and efficacy not established. Renal impairment: Reduce dose; severe impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min): maximum 50 mg every other day. Hepatic impairment: Maximum 100 mg once daily.

Mechanism of action

Selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) by binding to and blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET) on presynaptic neurons, increasing synaptic concentrations of these neurotransmitters and enhancing neurotransmission in the central nervous system.

Indications

Depression

Side effects

Anxiety Constipation Decreased appetite Dizziness Increased sweating Insomnia difficulty in sleeping Nausea Sexual dysfunction Vomiting

Pregnancy category

Category C

Precautions

History of hypersensitivity, uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders, bipolar disorder, narrow-angle glaucoma, bleeding disorders, renal or hepatic impairment, concomitant use with MAO inhibitors, risk of serotonin syndrome, suicidal ideation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, abrupt discontinuation, elderly patients, hyponatremia risk.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine, concurrent use with MAO inhibitors or within 7 days of discontinuing MAO inhibitors, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, severe hepatic impairment.